No More Second Fiddle For Rivers Athletes –Amaechi

Rivers State athletes and their handlers have been told that the state would no longer be contented playing second fiddle to any other opponent especially at subsequent National Sports Festival (NSF).

The Executive Governor of the state, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi made the statement at the weekend during the official reception for the state’s athletes to the 18 National Sports Festival held in Lagos last year, tagged Eko 2012.

The state contingent to the games garnered a total of 217 medals to finish second behind Delta State.

According to the governor, the state appreciated the athletes efforts and eventual achievement but would not be happy with runner –up position in subsequent competitions, especially, the forthcoming 19 National Sports Festival scheduled for Calabar next year.

He urged the athletes to go the extra mile and regain the top position in Calabar next year and return to a memorable reception and reward.

Towards motivating and preparing the athletes for improved performance, the government directed the commissioners for Sports, Hon Fred Igwe to draw up and present to him the requirement needed for the athletes to go into immediate camping.

Earlier, the governor had announced the sum of N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively for gold, silver and bronze medal winners, both athletes and coaches, and a consolatory N50,000 for those that participated but failed to win any medal at Eko 2012.

Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman, House Committee on Sports of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Legborsi Nwidada has said that the House was ready to enact laws that would enable the state sports council to be vibrant and achieve desired objectives.

Responding to questions from newsmen after the reception on Friday the lawmaker said ,” if there is anything we can do to encourage them (Sports Council) we will do so.

He also said that the Sports Committee would be coming up with steps to ensure that local government councils in the state put their budgets for sports to good use and contribute effectively to the development of sports, especially at the grass roots.

Chelsea’s David Luiz in high spirits for the final match against Benfica, today